Ostomy Surgery Strategies

Frequently Asked Questions

Any concerns should be addressed and doing so early in your recovery will create more openness and honesty between you and your partner. Waiting until just prior to the first sexual encounter may be a set-up for unmet expectations, disappointments, and intimacy problems down-the-road. Issues you might want to address include:

Pouches are odor proof, but if you’re concerned, deodorizers are available and can be put in the pouch just prior to sexual relations. There is also a tablet called Devrom that is available where most ostomy supplies are sold. When this is taken regularly it completely removes any odor from the stool.

What if the pouch leaks or comes off?

As you get used to your ostomy and engage again in sexual relations, you may be concerned about your pouch leaking at an inopportune time. Prior to engaging in an intimate situation, empty your pouch. You may want to put on a brand new pouch. Use an opaque pouch so that if there is stooling during love-making, it’s not visible. You can tape the flange and pouch down to secure them.

What if my partner is turned off by my stoma?

You may wonder if you’re ever going to get used to having your stoma on your belly. Gradually, you will begin to incorporate this change in your body image into your overall being. You will be initially conscious of your stoma in all situations, but over time will find that you think about it less and less. Some people find it helpful to give their stoma a name, such as “redhead” or “rosebud”. This helps to be more objective about dealing with your stoma.

If you’re feeling self-conscious about how you look or are concerned as to how your partner will view your ostomy, the pouch can be concealed with an attractive cover. Zippered underwear or boxer shorts can be worn by men and crotchless underwear are available for women which will completely cover the pouch. An undershirt or nightgown can also be worn, or a tube top can be pulled down around your waist. Some stomas can be covered with a stoma cap. This doesn’t have to be a forever thing. As you ease back into sexual intimacy, you may become more comfortable with your body and choose to fore-go cover-ups.

You may want to consider making love by candlelight or putting a colored bulb in the bedside lamp. Of course, you can always make love in the dark.

What if the stoma makes noise during lovemaking?

At times, the stoma can make unexpected noise which can’t be controlled. No matter when the noise occurs, it can be embarrassing. Coming to terms with the fact will help you deal with it gracefully. Many people find it helpful to handle these situations with a sense of humor, making light of the noise. A gas reducing product, Beano, can be used to attempt to decrease gas prior to social and sexual relations. Being mindful of what you eat can also be helpful. Avoid beans, fatty and spicy foods, and carbonated beverages to reduce gas production.

Will I have pain?

The stoma has no nerve endings so will not hurt during sexual relations. A small amount of bleeding can occur when there is friction against the stoma because there are many blood vessels int he stoma itself. This is not serious and should be expected. If there is a large amount of blood, consult your surgeon.

If dating, how will my new partner react to my ostomy?

It is always tricky to approach the topic of your ostomy when you are dating and exploring intimacy. Honesty is probably the best policy. When you feel comfortable with your partner, explain that you have an ostomy and why. It’s helpful to discuss it up front before entering into an intimate situation. You are who you are, and if you are comfortable and confident about your body, this will help your partner to accept you and feel at ease in your personal and sexual relationships.

If I want to, can I have children in the future?

Your fertility may be affected by surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. For men, if your prostate was removed during surgery, you will be unable to produce semen and therefore will not ejaculate. Other treatments might also affect your sperm count, making it difficult to conceive a child. For women, various treatments might also affect your fertility. If you’d like to have a child in the future, speak to your surgeon or physician prior to starting treatments. Men may be able to donate sperm for future use. Women may be able to harvest eggs to be stored for pregnancy down the road.

What if I’m in a homosexual relationship?

If you are a male, usual methods of sexual expression may have been altered with the creation of an ostomy. If your rectum has been removed, anal sex is no longer an option. Your stoma should not be used as a substitute for anal intercourse. You can damage your stoma by doings so. There is a possibility that during surgery, your rectum can be left intact. Speak to your surgeon about your sexual orientation prior to surgery and options for sexual expression afterward. For both males and females, alternate forms of sexual expression should be explored. Masturbation, oral sex, and sexual enhancers can be considered. For men see the discussion on impotence.

What if I’m not interested in sex?

Your surgery, recovery, and adjustment to your ostomy can wreak havoc on your level of sexual desire, arousal, or ability to reach orgasm. If the sensation in your pelvis has been affected by your surgery, your ability to become aroused may be impacted. It often takes up to 6-12 months to recover sexual function after surgery. Once you’ve recovered and can think about intimacy again, recapturing your sexuality is an important piece in returning to a whole person. With your partner’s help, resume familiar foreplay and patterns one step at a time. Be open to new forms of sexual expression. You may have to work up to intercourse. Be patient with yourself but keep trying.

What if my anxiety about sex interferes with relations?

It is natural that you might feel anxious about resuming sexual intimacy. Remember to communicate your feelings to your partner. Prior to relations, you can practice relaxation techniques such as soft music and a warm bath, meditation, or a back rub. If you can’t overcome your anxiety and suspect there may be an element of depression, talk to your doctor. You may need an anti-depressant to get you back on track to feeling yourself.

What if I’m too tired to have sex?

As soon as you are able, return to a regular exercise program. Exercise will help energize you, assist with keeping your weight in check, and promote a healthy sleep schedule. It can also help reduce anxiety and depression. Plan sexual relations during the time of day when you feel the best. Eat a healthy, balanced diet to restore your nutrients and return your sense of well-being.